Apple has been rumored to be working on mini LED displays for the high-end iPad and MacBook models. Earlier reports suggested that these devices with the new displays would be introduced sometime in 2020. Now, a recent report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via 9to5Mac) suggests that these devices will see the light of the day in late 2020.
According to the report, a mini LED sporting 12.9-inch iPad Pro model will debut in Q3 of 2020. The device will also sport a new A14X processor. It will then be followed by a refreshed 16-inch MacBook Pro that houses this display technology in Q4 of 2020. This information is in line with the analyst’s earlier predictions. Apple will reportedly launch four to six products with mini LED displays over the next two to three years, the report adds.
Considering that Apple just launched the 16-inch MacBook Pro, a Q4 timeline in 2020 for the refresh suggests that the addition of the new display will be a part of an annual refresh. Since the information shared by the analyst also suggests that the company has expedited the adoption of mini LEDs for the devices, it will also be interesting to see whether the Cupertino giant brings the technology to a version of next year’s iPhone devices.
For those not in the know, mini LEDs have a few advantages over OLED display, some of which include high dynamic range, better color rendering performance, improved efficiency, and local dimming. It also does not suffer from OLED specific issues such as color burn-in.
However, these mini LEDs are not to be mistaken for the micro-LED display technology that the company is reportedly working on. Mini LED serves as a way of transition between OLEDs and micro-LED. They allow for thinner backlighting, in turn reducing bulk and improving efficiency. Apple is said to be working to figure out ways to mass-produce this next-gen display technology, which is currently a challenge. The company might rely on the mini LED technology in the interim.
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